- ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PASTORAL COUNCIL
MINUTES – February 16, 2017
Members of the Saint Francis de Sales Pastoral Council met on Feb. 16, 2017, in the church for a prayer by Annette Jennings. The membership then convened in the church hall and the meeting was called to order by President Henry Bobbin. Those attending in addition to Henry included Father Paul Wharton, Annette Jennings, John Rist, Dr. Charles Bou-Abboud, Phyllis Vealey, Dr. Bert Cruz, John Sadowski, Ed Habib, Lisa Figueroa, Karen Creager, Sandy Genung, Benita Goode, Angella Warvel, and Terry Rojas. Heather Fama and Jamie Bowen were absent.
The January 2017 minutes were approved as emailed with the correction of the word “meeting” instead of “meet” in the last sentence.
Reports:
Six of the seven committee reports were emailed last week; the Liturgy Committee report was presented orally.
Knights of Columbus:
Bear said the Knights had awarded four scholarships to the following students for one year: Emily Fedders, David Buch, Katherine Misiti, and Hannah Kinder-Schuyler. He added that during the Food for Families collection, parishioners donated food plus $1800 in three months for Hinton.
Ladies of St. Francis:
Benita said the Ladies would like to distribute their Flower Power fundraiser booklets at the doors on Feb. 25-26. Father was agreeable with this.
Liturgy:
Annette reported that the Liturgy Committee met earlier in the week and a written report had not yet been received. However, the issue of ushers was discussed and Father Paul plans to meet with current and new ushers on March 18-19 after the Masses. His emphasis will be on their roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Bear encouraged Pastoral Council members to serve as ushers.
Youth:
Angella announced that youth were being encouraged to attend a Christian concert by Casting Crown in Charleston, WV, in April.
Terry again reminded the membership of the 100 year anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and hoped that the youth would be aware of Our Lady’s message.
Unfinished Business:
Karen checked the church calendar for the Spring Fling and May 6 was available. However, that is the weekend of a high school prom and might eliminate the involvement of some of our youth. Father suggested checking with the Knights, the Ladies, youth, etc., regarding a possible fall date. These are the groups which would benefit from this fundraiser. Benita, Karen, and Henry agreed to co-chair the event. Benita will check the church calendar and report back at our next meeting.
Henry plans to have sample prayer cards by April 1 for Father to review.
Father said a sign was needed for the sign-in books. Benita offered to get these for both sides of the church.
New Business:
Father requested input from the membership regarding Sister Janice’s position. Suggestions were for a full time individual from a religious order. Father is also seeking assistance from the diocese and has spoken with Sister Ellen Dunn. Several people are helping him develop a job description. It will be forwarded to religious communities and the Office of Youth Ministry. Sister Janice has given Father ideas but said she does not have a job description. Father is seeking someone to work with the youth and the adult catechetics.
With regard to a farewell for Sister Janice, Father said “We’re limited in what she will allow.” She has agreed to something after the Eucharistic procession on June 18. Benita offered to coordinate the farewell. Sister’s family and Father John will be invited. Angella suggested a program by the youth along with youth serving the meals.
John R. pointed out that the PC members who are representing various organizations are serving a one year term which will end in May. New representatives should be selected at upcoming meetings of those organizations for these positions. Father added that a nominating committee will be needed in March for our member at large.
Forward in Faith – Subcommittee Reports
Education:
John S. spoke of a parish survey which would be a bulletin insert. He also discussed the committee’s interest in working on registering parishioners. The email with this information will be forwarded to the PC members. He plans to get a box for the Kidz Korner; their questions will be addressed in our bulletins.
Evangelization:
Phyllis said she was awaiting Father’s approval to have coffee and donuts after the 8:30 am Mass once a month; Father was agreeable with this. She will check the church calendar for a March date and include details in the bulletins. Lisa asked if the youth could prepare sandwiches as a fundraiser; Phyllis was amenable to this.
Phyllis spoke of encouraging individuals to go on a three-day retreat at WVIS; this is a silent directed retreat. Father suggested a one day retreat and provide information on a three-day retreat. After some discussion, it was decided that individuals would submit a letter expressing their interest in the retreat to the PC. The PC would select individuals and the parish would pay for five one-day retreats which includes overnight lodging. Phyllis is to prepare a write-up for the bulletin.
Fellowship:
No report was submitted from this committee.
Involvement:
Karen said her committee is trying to get the parish involved in the upcoming fish fry by attending, serving, and providing deserts. Proceeds from the fish fry will go to updating the church and Knights’ kitchens. She added that as individuals are awaiting their carry outs, beverages will be provided.
Comments, Questions, Concerns, and Feedback for Pastor:
Father Paul encouraged support for the Winter Gala at Glade; this is a school sponsored event.
Faith Sharing:
Henry spoke at length about being a cradle Catholic, his family tradition, and his involvement over the past thirty years here with the Knights, school, sports, and other church activities.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 pm. We will gather in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; John S. will have a scripture reading or prayer. Father Paul closed our meeting with prayer and we adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Annette Jennings Secretary